News & Media
Archives in the era of technology
From 5 to 9 June 2023, Unisa’s Midlands Region participated in the Annual National Archives Awareness Week. The event was officially launched by the Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Nocawe Mafu, who delivered the keynote address at Galeshewe Recreation Centre in Francis Baard District, Sol Plaatje Municipality in the Northern Cape, under the theme "Leave no one behind – Archives in the Era of Artificial Intelligence".
Stakeholders and Grade 12 learners attending the launch of the National Archives Awareness Week in the Northern Cape
Speaking of the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Mafu said: "We should not be left behind; we should be active participants in the digital space and be part of this revolution. It is important to go digital so that we don’t lose critical information." She also noted that reflecting on the importance of preserving our history and archival heritage, we should remember that archives are repositories of the memories, accomplishments and struggles of our ancestors, and thus a vital resource for future generations to learn from.
Mafu quoted the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Naledi Pandor: “Artificial intelligence (AI) and archives are powerful combinations that can help African countries to unlock the potential of their historical and cultural heritage and build a better future”. Mafu emphasised that AI, in all its facets, occupies a pivotal space today, with archival records capturing content, information, and knowledge for the next generation.
Despite several challenges, there is an urgent need to ensure that everyone has access to technology and the relevant skills to fully participate in the digital world. Among the advantages of embracing AI are improved efficiency, better decision-making, cost savings and improved safety. Mafu called on archival and other stakeholders to renew their commitment to supporting and preserving invaluable resources for the benefit of this generation and the next, encouraging young people not to forget the stories of where they came from, particularly the stories of local heroes who played a critical role in their communities. As she explained, it is through archives that we can understand history, preserve cultural engagements, and learn from the mistakes and successes of the past.
Mafu also urged archivists to embrace new technologies, find novel ways of working, take advantage of opportunities that arise, seek to overcome challenges and remain competent at preserving and protecting information. "Other sectors and organisations have begun to explore and experiment with how to strategically use AI; therefore, stakeholders need to form partnerships and create platforms to work together for the greater benefit of all and destroy the walls that make us work in silos," she added.
Ntombi Monyai from Unisa Press engaging with stakeholders
The first day ended with the launch of two books: one from the Northern Cape, entitled The Blind Spot, by a group of blind authors, and Telling Stories of Pain and Hope, a Unisa Press publication by Mary Elizabeth Lange and Ruth Teer-Tomaselli. The week was packed with interesting activities, including career exhibitions, debates by learners, and a tour of the Africana library.
Click here for information on the Unisa Archive.
* By Thotogelo Masenya, Communication and Marketing Officer, Unisa Midlands Region
Publish date: 2023/07/12
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